Thursday, October 28, 2010

At the end of September, the kids and I did a fun activity together. To start, I read the kids one of their favorite books Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. If you haven't read this book to your child, you should. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a great book that talks about letters.

After we finished reading the book, I let the kids finger paint letters...with shaving cream! The kids loved every minute!I left the book out so they could see different letters they could draw and what they looked like.Ben and Emmy were disappointed when I said it was time to finish the activity.

This activity worked really well for Ben since sometimes he gets frustrated with the fact that he can't write letters as well as he would like, but for whatever reason during this activity he didn't mention not once having a hard time. I love that in some of the pictures you can see the letters he has written and see how proud he looks on his face.Emmy was very proud of the letters she drew in the shaving cream.I think this activity would also be fun for kids working on their spelling words.

Painting with shaving cream was such a fun activity for myself and the kids.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The kids had their first official soccer game of the season on October 2nd. The kids were so excited to go to their first game.

I love the fact that Ben and Emmy were holding hands on the field before the game started (no prompting).Ben and Emmy are getting to be such good little players. Ben really gets in the thick of it and is quite the aggressive. Emmy has also increased her number of kicks that actually make contact with the ball. It is so cute to see them run on the field and play. They love every minute; especially if there is dirt to play with.Hyrum has improved so much as well this season. No goals yet, but he has had many close shots and is becoming a good little goalie(the position I enjoyed playing the most when I was young). Hyrum's soccer team has also improved in their soccer skills and their ability to work as a team.

The only picture I took of Hyrum's first game. I helped Brandon with the subs for the games. I also forgot to take pictures.

This soccer season has already been lots of fun and the kids are having a great time. I love the fact that they are doing something keeps them active and moving around.

On October 1st, Brandon's school had their Homecoming. I look forward to this event every year. The school does a great job putting on the event.

This year, the school planned a few more kid friendly activities like the ring toss and the bean bag toss. The kids had a great time participating in those activities. Emmy loved the Princess bean bags.Of course Ben had to use the yellow bean bags!The balloon man came again this year and did not disappoint with some amazing creations for the kids. The boys LOVED their swords and helmets. They spent most of the evening fighting each other with their balloon swords. Lots of people at homecoming got a kick out of watching them.Emmy loved her pink and purple butterfly.Also, the school fed us some Memphis BBQ; always tasty. In this picture, Emmy is enjoying her brownie while eagerly pointing to the bounce house that she was anxious to get to. The kids loved the bounce house!After spending a good amount of time at the bounce house, the kids went and played a little basketball. They had a lot fun.To end our crazy night of celebration, the kids got a chance to joust each other and Brandon. They had so much fun and they were so cute to watch.

Hyrum fought BrandonHyrum helped Ben fight Brandon and Emmy. It was such a fun night. The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, the kids were happy. It was a great night.

On October 6th Ben and Emmy had their first day of preschool at Ms. Tami's. They were so excited that it was finally their turn to go!

We started the day off, like any other important day at our house, with pancakes.The kids looked so cute all dressed up for school. They were very excited for their school day to begin.Emmy loved the picture of herself standing on one foot. She thought that she was silly!Emmy also loved the picture of herself sticking out her tongue. Yes, she still likes to check herself out in the mirror and smiles at her reflection.Holding hands while walking into the school...so cute! They talked about holding hands while we were driving to school, but I asked them to hold hands once we got there.The kids and Ms. TamiBen and Emmy love having friends at their school. They go to school with two other kids from our ward. Ms. Tami has a son a few months younger than the twins who Ben really likes.

For their first day of school they talked about the letter "Ll" and made adorable leaf wreaths. Emmy and Ben have loved every minute at Ms. Tami's. They are learning so much! They look forward going to school every day (even when it isn't a preschool day).

Thursday, October 21, 2010

My cute mom turned the big 5-0 earlier in the month. We wish we could have been there to celebrate her birthday with her. We sent her flowers instead. One daisy(her favorite flower) to represent each of my children.

Since she is turning fifty I thought I would list 5 things about my mom.

Service- For as long as I can remember, my mom has performed much service for others. She really cares for other people and tries her best to help them.

Hyrum and Grandma (Halloween 2005)

Simple Things- One thing that I think is awesome about my mom is that she loves the simple things in life. The small things (leaves changing colors, Mickey Mouse, Birthdays) are what make her smile and get excited. Small Children- My mom has always had a talent with working with small children. The children love her!Emmy and Grandma (Early 2007)

Temple-Another thing I remember about my mom is the fact that she and my dad have attended the temple quite frequently. They make the temple a priority in their lives.

Love- My mom has shown such great love to myself and my family. My kids love her! They enjoy talking to her on the phone and tell her stories about what is going on. She has given much to my family.Ben and Grandma (Jan. 2007)Below is the video of the kids singing Happy Birthday to my mom and stating their favorite thing about her. Also, the kids show-off their fun pictures they drew for her for her birthday.Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you!

Quote of the Week

"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."-President Thomas S Monson

Sisters, there is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet. Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never forget that the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you.—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf